Santa Monica High School ethnic-studies class

Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times

"The whole point of ethnic studies is American at its core," says Santa Monica High School teacher Kitaro Webb. Above, he and students Erendira Martinez, center, and Phoebe Kiekhofer discuss an upcoming presentation by their ethnic-studies class.

"The whole point of ethnic studies is American at its core," says Santa Monica High School teacher Kitaro Webb. Above, he and students Erendira Martinez, center, and Phoebe Kiekhofer discuss an upcoming presentation by their ethnic-studies class.